Nursing Programs in Little Rock, AR

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Little Rock

Rankings help students compare nursing programs by highlighting key performance metrics. Registerednursing.org is creating the rankings for the Best Nursing Schools in Little Rock, focusing on NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria. This data-driven approach provides objective insights to guide prospective students in their decision-making. For more details on how we compile these rankings, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

No statistically significant data available for yearly pass rate trends in Little Rock.

Top Performing Schools

No statistically significant data available for top performing schools in Little Rock.

Pass Rate by Program Size

No statistically significant data available for pass rates by program size in Little Rock.

Biggest Improvements

No statistically significant data available for biggest improvements in Little Rock.

Consistently High Performing Schools

No statistically significant data available for consistently high performing schools in Little Rock.

#1

Baptist Health College Little Rock

Little Rock, AR - Private 2-year - bhclr.edu

Associate - Traditional Track

Campus Based - Visit Website

Baptist Health College Little Rock's Traditional Track Nursing program prepares students to become Registered Nurses through a comprehensive campus-based curriculum. The program requires either ATI TEAS or ACT entrance exam scores for admission and offers two annual start dates across three or four semesters. Coursework includes Adult Nursing, Pharmacology, and Mental Health training. NCLEX-RN pass rates have shown significant improvement, reaching 99.2% in 2024 from 72.2% in 2020, with recent cohorts demonstrating strong performance. This hands-on program blends academic rigor with practical experience, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings without requiring a specific concentration.

• Two start dates annually.
• Three or four semesters.
• Campus-based program.
• Comprehensive nursing curriculum.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Official transcripts needed.
• ATI TEAS or ACT scores required.
• Hands-on learning focus.
• Diverse academic entry options.

#2

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - ualr.edu

Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at UA Little Rock offers a campus-based pathway to nursing licensure in 18 months to two years. This 60-credit-hour program features clinical rotations in top Arkansas healthcare facilities and utilizes a state-of-the-art simulation hospital. Admission is competitive with applications accepted from December 15 to January 31; no ACT or SAT entrance exam is specified. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX exam, with recent ADN program NCLEX pass rates demonstrating consistent performance, reaching 92.2% in 2024. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students.

• 18-month to 2-year program.
• State-of-the-art simulation hospital.
• Clinical rotations in top facilities.
• Prepares for NCLEX exam.
• 60 credit hours required.
• Competitive admission process.
• Financial aid available.
• Scholarships for eligible students.
• Campus-based program.
• Pathway to online BSN.

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides a comprehensive hybrid pathway to becoming a registered nurse. This four-year program combines classroom instruction with clinical and simulation experiences, including access to a state-of-the-art simulation hospital. The final year is completed online, allowing students to gain work experience as RNs. Admission requires completion of prerequisite courses; no ACT or SAT entrance exam is specified. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent ADN program NCLEX pass rates showing improvement from 81.6% in 2020 to 92.2% in 2024.

• Hybrid program format
• Four-year curriculum
• Online final year
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• State-of-the-art simulation hospital
• Admission requires prerequisites
• Meets Arkansas licensure requirements
• Combines classroom and clinical learning

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#3

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR - Public 4-Year - uca.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Central Arkansas' Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides a campus-based education that prepares students for nursing licensure and professional practice. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this program emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences and theoretical foundations, meeting Arkansas State Board of Nursing standards. Admission requires meeting academic criteria, though specific ACT/SAT exam requirements aren't mentioned. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, with the program focusing on developing practical skills, critical thinking, and patient-centered care. Financial aid options are available to support students in this comprehensive nursing curriculum.

• Campus-based program
• Accredited by CCNE
• Prepares for licensure
• Hands-on learning focus
• Financial aid available
• Comprehensive nursing curriculum
• Meets Arkansas State Board standards
• Practical skills development
• Theoretical knowledge emphasis
• Professional career preparation

#4

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - uams.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program on its Little Rock campus, preparing students for nursing careers through comprehensive education. This program requires 58 semester hours of general education and offers both traditional and accelerated tracks for those with existing degrees. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it features state-of-the-art simulation labs and interprofessional partnerships. Admission requires completion of prerequisites and passing the ATI TEAS entrance exam. While NCLEX pass rates aren't specified, the program's accreditation and hospital campus location suggest strong clinical preparation. Financial aid is available to support students.

• Campus-based program
• Accredited by CCNE
• 58 semester hours required
• Traditional and accelerated tracks
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Interprofessional partnerships
• ATI TEAS exam required
• Financial aid available
• Located in Little Rock, AR

*NCES IPEDS database, 2024 release. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Little Rock, AR

Across the southern states, the need for professional nurses of all levels persists. In Little Rock, AR those looking to enter this healthcare profession can find a range of accessible LPN to RN, ADN, and BSN education programs. Most of them have year-round admissions and flexible scheduling options (evening, weekend, and online learning options) so they are a good fit for working professionals.

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed Practical Nurses spend a large portion of their day talking with patients and caring for their most basic needs. As important as this work is, LPNs are restricted in the tasks they can perform for patients. Fortunately, LPNs are well-positioned to take the next step in their careers to become RNs. Baptist Health College Little Rock in Arkansas offers an accelerated bridge program that enables dedicated LPNs the opportunity to prepare for their RN license in one-year. The sooner students enroll in the program, the more credits are likely to transfer.

ADN Programs

Gain peace of mind in a career helping others when you decide to become a nurse. Associate degree programs allow you to train for your RN can be completed in two years for committed students. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) nursing program at Baptist Health College Little Rock is a four-day-a-week intensive program. The RN-ready program teaches students how to care for patients in both acute and non-acute settings.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Nurses with bachelor’s degrees can advance their careers faster and earn higher wages from the start. Moreover, many hospitals will soon be requiring bachelor’s degrees for their RNs. As such it makes sense to complete your four-year degree and not stop at the associate’s level. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers a traditional path for students seeking to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students complete rigorous study in advanced medical surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, and more. Students must sit for the NCLEX exam to receive their RN license.

Find out more about Arkansas Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN Programs in Little Rock, AR

Working professionals who want to return to school need educational options that mesh well with their schedules. Moreover, they need rigorous, no-frills programs that make the most of their learning investment. For these reasons and more, working registered nurses find bridge RN to BSN programs in Little Rock, AR to be most compatible with their schedules and motivations to return to school.

RN to BSN Programs

As the demand for Registered Nurses with bachelor’s degree surges, colleges and universities in Little Rock are scrambling to put together quality education programs to meet the need. The University of Arkansas - Little Rock offers an online RN to BSN program that offers those with a nursing diploma or ADN the chance to advance to a bachelor's degree in nursing. The program can be completed in just 1 to 1.5 years of study, depending on full-time or part-time attendance.

Find out more about Arkansas RN to BSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Little Rock, AR

When patients visit their doctor’s offices for wellness checks, physical exams, and other basic medical care, they are as likely to be seen by a Nurse Practitioner as they are a physician. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are taking on higher level roles and entering more specialty areas of practice. Master’s degree programs in Little Rock, Arkansas enable nurses to advance their careers so they can be a greater service to others in less time.

MSN Programs

As physicians step into specialized roles, Nurse Practitioners are providing routine patient care at medical offices and outpatient centers across Little Rock, AR. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, the state’s only research university, offers a competitive entry Master of Nursing Science program in a number of specialized Nurse Practitioner areas, including Adult Geriatric, Pediatric, Mental Health and Family. The top-rated program prepares nurses to take on leadership roles in healthcare as well as to serve individuals and families in the community.

Find out more about Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Graduate Certificate Programs

Staying current with new learnings in healthcare technology, evidence-based patient care, and policy development is important for nurses who work in leadership roles. Advanced practice nurses who already hold a master’s degree can keep their skills and knowledge up to date when they complete post-graduate certificates in nursing. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers such post-master’s completion specialty courses on a limited basis.

Find out more about Arkansas Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Advanced Practice Nurses who are motivated to reach the peak of their profession can do so by earning their Doctor of Nursing Practice. The clinical, leadership-focused terminal degree measures and evaluates patient outcomes at the broadest levels and translates this information into healthcare policy and practice. The University of Central Arkansas outside of Little Rock offers a DNP program. Due to the intensity of the 15-hour a week program (more for clinicals), students are suggested to reduce their work hours if possible.

Learn more about Arkansas DNP Programs.